If you’re thinking over air conditioner installation in West Columbia, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In a nutshell, it looks at how capable your air conditioner is at transforming electricity into cold air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your cooling costs.
However, there are a lot of different options available for air conditioners. And a higher SEER rating often is accompanied by a higher cost. So, how do you know which one is right for your residence?
At Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc., we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 803-265-4208. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Right now, let’s go over SEER ratings and how it can impact your family’s comfort. And your electric costs.
How Does SEER Rating Impact My Air Conditioner?
In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER criteria. New air conditioners are required to be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can look at the sticker on the condenser outside your home. If you can’t see the sticker, you can reach us at 803-265-4208 for support.
If your air conditioner was installed before that date, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has swiftly evolved in the past couple of years, with big progress in energy efficiency and smart home capacity. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on AC costs, because the thermostat can seamlessly adjust your temperature settings when you’re gone.
If your current air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.
Is It Smarter to Install a High SEER Rating?
An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as high as 26 SEER, carry ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This certification means the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.
While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are often more expensive, you’ll usually get the difference returned throughout the years through reduced power bills. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and up, use about 8% less energy than other new models, according to ENERGY STAR.
One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can cool at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your loved ones while keeping your utility bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without requiring a lot more power.
When buying a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this unit’s blower to disperse chilled air throughout your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is around that age, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the advantages of your variable-speed air conditioner.
When you’re set to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. are here to assist you. Call us at 803-265-4208 to book your free home comfort analysis today.